Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County this weekend.
Local Business
Posted inFood & Drink
Corralitos restaurant Circle & Square Bistro wins Santa Cruz Vegan Chef Challenge
Nearly 30 restaurants across Santa Cruz County participated in the county’s first Vegan Chef Challenge in April, offering special plant-based dishes aimed at attracting diners and encouraging restaurants to expand vegan options. Corralitos restaurant Circle & Square Bistro won the competition. Participating chefs said the event brought in new customers and inspired interest in keeping some vegan dishes on their menus permanently.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Tourism saw growth in ’25 despite tariff, immigration concerns; farmers fear fertilizer, fuel hikes as growing season kicks off
A fifth consecutive year of growth for area tourism and the impact of the war in Iran on Santa Cruz County agriculture lead off Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly survey of local business.
Posted inFood & Drink
Great Scott! Submissions are open to name a beer honoring Scotts Valley
Steel Bonnet Brewing Company is celebrating Scotts Valley’s 60th birthday with a contest to name a hazy IPA to commemorate the occasion.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Silver Spur taking over Jeffery’s spot; Live Oak’s thriving school farm; Second Harvest symposium
Lily Belli dishes on the fate of Jeffery’s Restaurant, a dream come to fruition in Live Oak School District, Second Harvest Food Bank seeking community input on food insecurity and much more in her Tuesday newsletter.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz County business filings: Week of May 12
Businesses operating in Santa Cruz County must register with the county clerk. Lookout Santa Cruz reviews the public filings from local businesses to report on new businesses starting in the area.
Posted inFood & Drink
After redevelopment fears, Silver Spur will move into vacant Jeffery’s building
After years of uncertainty tied to a proposed senior housing development, the longtime Silver Spur restaurant will relocate to the former Jeffery’s Restaurant site at Soquel Avenue and Capitola Road this fall. Co-owners Juan Valencia and Daniel Govea say the expanded space will keep the same menu and staff while adding more seating, remodeled interiors and beer, wine and mimosas.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best of Santa Cruz County entertainment, arts & food events this weekend, May 7-10
With the weekend nearly here, check out things to do around Santa Cruz County with a recommendation from Lily Belli and a specially curated list from Lookout’s BOLO events calendar.
Posted inFood & Drink
Java Junction on River Street to remain open thanks to a last-minute purchase
Java Junction’s River Street café will remain open after a local restaurant owner agreed to purchase the business, preserving staff and operations. The deal reverses a planned closure driven by steep rent increases, construction disruptions and declining sales.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: April’s delicious highlights, Mother’s Day treats and where to score fresh local salmon
From the best things she ate in April to spots to celebrate Mom in Santa Cruz County this weekend and go-to local fishmongers for salmon, it’s another packed Tuesday newsletter from Lily Belli.